While the Friday and Saturday night sessions are ticket-only – with the venue able to hold around 1,500 people on each night – Saturday lunchtime is a family-friendly session where entrance is free.

The annual event has established itself as one of the highlights of the town’s social calendar.

The local Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is assembling more than 250 recommended real ales, with many coming from nearby micro-breweries.

A total of four local bands will be playing on the main stage over the weekend with The Great Escape and The Injectors opening proceedings, followed by Dazed and Confused and Monkey Harris on Saturday.

All funds raised will go to the festival’s designated charity, which this year is the David Lewis Centre in Alderley Edge which provides education and support to people with learning disabilities.

For more details, and to buy tickets visit www.macclesfieldbeerfestival.org.uk.

Tickets are also available from several town pubs.

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